Ralph Alexander Sawmick, July 10, 1949 - Aug 20, 2011, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 20, 2011.
Ralph was born on July 10, 1949, in Bay City, the son of George A. Sawmick and Elsie (Wasaquom) Sawmick. Ralph was a member and former Councilman of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
During Ralph's service to his country and Tribal community Ralph served as a Pathfinder in the United States Army during 1969-1971. Then in 1975 became the second Tribal police officer to join the department. Following his graduation from the Utah Police Academy in 1976, Ralph became the captain of the Tribal Police Department. Ralph served as the Captain of Police for twenty-two years before retiring in 2000.
Ralph also loved spending time with his numerous nieces and nephews in which he cared for them as if they were his own. Ralph is survived by his siblings, Gladys Sheahan of Grand Rapids, Yvonne (Bruce) Dyer of Grand Rapids, Samson Sawmick of Colorado Springs, Colo., Daniel (Margo) Sawmick of Moose Deer Point, Ontario, Zachary Sawmick of Weidman, Jeremy (Shawn) Sawmick of Mt. Pleasant, and Michelle (Jose) Pena of Holland.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elsie Sawmick; Brother Gregory Sawmick; Sister Ramona Rodriguez; and nieces, Alexandria Sawmick and Jessica Dyer. Memorial services will be held at Faith Indian Church of the Nazarene, in Mt. Pleasant, Friday August 26, 2011 at 1:00 p.m.